JoJo Wicker contemplating NFL Draft decision

Arizona State junior defensive lineman JoJo Wicker’s future with the program remains uncertain as he decides whether to forgo his senior season and enter to the 2018 NFL Draft, Wicker said Wednesday.

Wicker said he’s already submitted his name into the NFL Draft Advisory board in order to receive a potential draft grade and added that he’s looking into his options for a potential jump to the pros. The three-year starter said he has not yet made a decision whether to stay or go, but will come to a decision shortly after the Sun Devils play No. 24 NC State on Dec. 29 in the Sun Bowl.

While an added year could potentially increase his draft value, Wicker said he doesn’t see his NFL draft projection benefitting much from an extra year in Tempe.

“How much better can I do?” Wicker said. “I can get four more sacks. I had [six] sacks this year, so four more, that’s 10. Is that really going to push me into the first round? It’s not, so in reality this is what it is for me as a player.

“I mean, everybody knows I’m not a first- or second-round draft pick. That’s the reality. That’s the only thing they give you. They give you one, two or stay. You have to dig deeper and listen to what the coaches are giving you, what they see you as, talk to agents or whatever. You talk around to everyone just to get knowledgeable on it, and you go from there.”

Wicker was named to the All-Pac-12 Second Team this season after collecting six sacks and a team-best 12 tackles for loss while adding 39 tackles. He displayed his versatility this season, moving from an interior line position to end at different points. Pro Football Focus looked highly upon Wicker’s junior campaign, giving him a grade of 79.3 that ranked 13th among Pac-12 interior defensive linemen.

The 6-foot-3 defensive lineman was one of the highest-profile commitments that Todd Graham was able secure during his six-year tenure as Arizona State’s head coach. Graham was fired on Nov. 26, and the program introduced former NFL coach and ESPN analyst Herm Edwards as Graham’s replacement on Dec. 4. Wicker hinted that instability within the coaching staff — he’s already had three different defensive line coaches during his three years in Tempe (Michael Slater’s status for 2018 is currently unknown) — could play a factor in his draft decision.

“It can,” Wicker said. “I believe it can for me. I came here for [Todd Graham], and sometimes it’s just — I’ve had three different (defensive line) coaches since I’ve been here, and I’m not trying to do that again. But we’ll see. It depends on who they bring in.”

Wicker stated his versatility should be his biggest skill that will allow him to translate well to the next level.

“I could play anything,” he said. “I could play end, could play 4i technique, could shade the nose. I could play any of those. It probably depends on wherever I go, if I decide to go. Either way, I don’t care, as long as I get the opportunity. I’m going to make the most of it.”

Edwards will be looking to retain more than just Wicker during his first offseason as ASU’s next head coach. In addition to Wicker, junior linebacker Christian Sam and junior left guard Sam Jones could potentially declare early. Senior Devil backer Koron Crump is applying for a sixth year of eligibility after suffering a torn ACL this season.

Wicker said he and Edwards spoke earlier this week, with the former Jets and Chiefs coach trying to get a gauge for where Wicker’s head was at with his decision. Wicker said Edwards’ pitch likely will not influence his decision.

“I think his best interest is to keep me here, obviously,” Wicker said. “I know it’s a business, so you can’t fool me. That’s just how I feel.”

“He can’t influence me. I’m going by my decision, my gut.”

This story appears on ArizonaSports.com courtesy of a partnership with SunDevilSource.com, part of the Scout Network and home for the most detailed information on Arizona State football.